Roofing torch

ABSTRACT

A torch device for household and construction applications is disclosed. The torch device includes a body that is shaped like a firearm having an aft handgrip, a forward handgrip, a trigger guard, and an igniter guard. The body provides a more convenient carriage of the torch and integrates safety features for the torch device. A fuel delivery assembly is coupled with a fuel source. An igniter is carried within the body and operable via the igniter guard. A nozzle tip is coupled with the torch head to discharge the fuel source into a torch head. A fuel delivery conduit communicates the fuel source between the nozzle and a trigger control operable via access through the trigger guard. The torch device provides for easier carriage and safer operation while conducting repair and maintenance tasks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to torches, and more particularly to torches for home repairs and maintenance.

Torches are available for various home repairs. Small handheld torches may use a 14-ounce propane cylinder for small repairs, such as sweating pipe joints, and similar tasks. Larger torches have been provided that are configured to couple with a 20-pound propane cylinder, such as used with outdoor barbecue grilles.

Small handheld torches are inefficient for taking on large jobs, such as melting asphalt and tar sealing compositions on a roof. The larger torches do not have adequate handles and can be difficult to hold and comfortably utilize over the course of a roofing project or other household tasks, such as weed and ice remediation on lawns and walkways.

Likewise, each can be difficult or more dangerous to ignite, as they are typically lit with a spark generating striker device. Because of this difficulty, the torch is often left in a burning condition until the project is completed. This can leave the torch lit for longer periods than necessary often during movements from one area of a project to another, which presents the risk of inadvertently igniting another object when moving. This also leads to unnecessary consumption of propane during a project.

As can be seen, there is a need for improved torch that solves these and other problems with existing torches.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a torch device is disclosed. The torch device includes a body that is shaped like a firearm having an aft handgrip, a forward handgrip, a trigger guard, and an igniter guard. A fuel delivery assembly has a proximal end that is configured to be coupled with a fuel source and a distal end carrying a torch head. An igniter is carried within the body and is operable via the igniter guard. A nozzle tip is coupled with the torch head to discharge the fuel source into the torch head. A fuel delivery conduit communicates the fuel source between the nozzle tip and a trigger control operable via access through the trigger guard.

In other aspects of the invention a method of operating a torch is disclosed. The method includes providing a torch device comprising a body that is shaped like a firearm having an aft handgrip, a forward handgrip, a trigger guard, and an igniter guard, a fuel delivery assembly having a proximal end configured to be coupled with a fuel source and a distal end carrying a torch head, an igniter carried within the body and operable via the igniter guard, a nozzle tip is coupled with the torch head to discharge the fuel source into the torch head, and a fuel delivery conduit communicates the fuel source between the nozzle tip and a trigger control operable via access through the trigger guard. The torch device is then connected with the fuel source.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal section view taken along the mid-line of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view similar to FIG. 2 , with the torch body removed.

FIG. 4 is a section view similar to FIG. 2 showing an alternate routing of the hose.

FIG. 5 is an exploded side elevation view of the pin and cap assembly.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the nozzle tip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, embodiments of the present invention provide a roofing torch that is convenient and comfortable to carry. The roofing torch also incorporates an igniter for safely igniting the torch, while carried. A trigger fuel control is also incorporated to easily regulate the flow of fuel through the roofing torch.

As seen in reference to the drawings of FIGS. 1-6 a roofing torch 10 of the present invention includes a body 12 that is shaped like a firearm which surrounds the operative components of the roofing torch 10. A torch head 14 is carried at a distal end of a fuel delivery assembly. An igniter wire 16 is carried within the torch head 14 and is configured to emit a spark when operating an igniter 18. The igniter 18 is carried within the body 12, preferably in a forward hand grip area of the body 12. An igniter access 20 is provided in the body to guard the igniter 18 against an inadvertent discharge.

The fuel delivery assembly includes a proximal end, in communication with a fuel source and distal end with the torch head 14 carried at the distal end. A nozzle tip 22 is coupled with the torch head 14 to discharge fuel into the torch head 14. A fuel delivery conduit 23 communicates the fuel from a trigger control 32. The trigger control 32 is carried within a trigger housing 26 in the body 18 adjacent to an aft handgrip 24 configured for gripping by a user's hand. A fuel source conduit 28 is coupled with the trigger control 32. A fuel shutoff valve 30 is coupled to proximal end of the fuel source conduit 28 and is configured to couple the roofing torch 10 to a fuel source, such as a 20 lb. propane cylinder, or a fuel line extension coupled with the fuel source. The fuel source conduit 28 may carried through an aperture defined in a lateral aspect of a stock end of the body 12 so that the roofing torch 10 may be rested on a butt of the stock end to provide a convenient support of the roofing torch 10 without damaging the fuel source conduit 28.

The trigger control 32 includes a pin and cap assembly 38 that is moveably carried within a trigger regulator 35. The pin and cap assembly 38 includes a plurality of seals 38C that seal a pin 38A and cap assembly within the trigger regulator 35. A cap 38B contains a biasing spring 44 that is configured to bias the pin 38A to retain the trigger control 32 in a normally closed condition. A washer and a fastener 48, such as a nut, couple the pin 38A with the trigger control 32. A control knob 40 is provided with the trigger regulator 35 to allow the user to adjust the amount of fuel delivered through the roofing torch 10 when the trigger control 32 is operated.

In use, the roofing torch 10 according to embodiments of the invention allow the user to comfortably grip aft handgrip 24 of the body 12 with a firsthand. The trigger control 32 is operable with a finger of the first hand. The user may then comfortably hold the roofing torch 10 by the forward handgrip and operate the igniter 18 with a finger of the second hand received in the igniter access 20.

When connected with the fuel source, the user opens the fuel shutoff valve 30. When the user is ready to apply a torch flame to a target area of a work project the user may pull the trigger control 32 with a finger of the first hand and ignite the fuel delivered to the nozzle 22 via the igniter 18 with a finger of the second hand. When the target area has been flame treated by the torch head 14, the user may release the trigger control 32 to extinguish the flame. The user may adjust the size of the flame via the control knob 40, to increase or decrease the flame when melting a roofing tar or other material on the roof.

While described as a roofing torch, the present invention may also find application to other household and construction tasks, such as weeding, thawing, and other applications requiring the use of a localized flame to incinerate or melt materials on a worksite.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

I claim:
 1. A torch device, comprising: a body that is shaped like a firearm having an aft handgrip, a forward handgrip, a trigger guard, and an igniter guard; a fuel delivery assembly having a proximal end configured to be coupled with a fuel source and a distal end carrying a torch head; an igniter carried within the body and operable via the igniter guard; a nozzle tip is coupled with the torch head to discharge the fuel source into the torch head; a fuel delivery conduit communicates the fuel source between the nozzle tip and a trigger control operable via access through the trigger guard.
 2. The torch device of claim 1, fuel delivery assembly further comprising: a fuel source conduit coupled with the trigger control, a fuel shutoff valve is coupled to a proximal end of the fuel source conduit, is configured to couple the fuel source.
 3. The torch device of claim 2, the fuel delivery assembly further comprising: a trigger regulator interposed between the fuel delivery conduit and the fuel source conduit; and a control knob to adjust a flow rate of the fuel source through the trigger regulator.
 4. The torch device of claim 3, the fuel delivery assembly further comprising: a pin and cap assembly moveably carried within the trigger regulator by operation of the trigger control.
 5. The torch device of claim 4, the fuel delivery assembly further comprising: a plurality of seals that seal a pin of the pin and cap assembly within the trigger regulator; and a cap contains a biasing spring configured to bias the pin to retain the trigger control in a normally closed condition.
 6. The torch device of claim 5, further comprising: a fuel source coupled with the fuel shutoff valve.
 7. A method of operating a torch, comprising: providing a torch device comprising a body that is shaped like a firearm having an aft handgrip, a forward handgrip, a trigger guard, and an igniter guard, a fuel delivery assembly having a proximal end configured to be coupled with a fuel source and a distal end carrying a torch head, an igniter carried within the body and operable via the igniter guard, a nozzle tip is coupled with the torch head to discharge the fuel source into the torch head, and a fuel delivery conduit communicates the fuel source between the nozzle tip and a trigger control operable via access through the trigger guard; and connecting the torch device with the fuel source.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: operating a shutoff valve to deliver a fuel from the fuel source to a fuel source conduit.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: operating the trigger control to deliver the fuel to the torch head; and operating the igniter to ignite the fuel.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: applying a flame from the torch head to a work surface.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: releasing the trigger control. 